Green with envy.

Whether it be Roubaix or Flanders, you've surely seen the Open Pave CG's characteristic green stripe pass over the finish line in top position. And while we've yet to see clinchers break the tubular's stranglehold on the cobbled classics, we have seen race-day carbon clinchers make an unprecedented rise. Accordingly, with the Vittoria Open Pave EVO CG III tire, you're able to apply Vittoria's strongest available grip to any road that warrants a touch of added confidence.

If you're unfamiliar with how the Italians operate, we'll break down the title for you. 'Open' is the Italian terminology for clincher, as in the clincher-version of Vittoria's Pave CG tubular tire. Meanwhile, 'Pave' translates to 'cobblestone,' as in, this is a tire that's designated for rough roads. Put the two together, and add in the evolution designation of 'EVO,' and you have a next-generation tire that's designed for speed. And while we understand that a name is simply a name, the Open Corsa line's results speak for themselves. Simply put, this line boasts more race wins than any other tire in history.

And now that we have your attention, let's dig into the CG's construction. Vittoria gave this tire a 320TPI casing composition, meaning that the sidewalls consist of 320 threads per inch. And if you're wondering why there are 'threads,' this is because the EVO CG is a cotton tire. But, don't think that this decreases durability. In fact, Vittoria used a corespun, or 'polycore,' technique for the casing's construction. Essentially, this means that the casing fibers are made by twisting staple cotton fibers around a central filament core, creating one yarn from multiple fibers. As a result, the material is between 40 and 50% stronger than typically spun materials, while retaining a similar, if not lower, overall weight. Additionally, the 320TPI cotton casing provides the ideal stiffness-to-weight ratio for the CG. By this, we mean that the tire's weight hovers around 240 grams, depending on width, while still retaining a perfect level of flexibility for cornering.

Along these lines, you'll notice that the casing's high TPI equates to finer-grade fibers used in its composition. Accordingly, the fine fibers are more malleable than say, 220TPI casings, and this flexibility creates a more adaptable interface for the tire's rubber contact surface during cornering. So, this design provides a higher level of grip than rubber, which is why cotton casings are used on nearly every high-end tubular in the world. Additionally, the weave's density also absorbs a great deal of impact, while also contributing to a low-level of rolling resistance. This equates directly to both comfort and speed.

For this generation of the EVO, the tire receives Vittoria's newest rubber compound, ISOgrip. After two years in development, Vittoria is confident that it's set the benchmark for racing rubber. According to Vittoria, ISOgrip expresses equal grip in both dry and wet conditions and features its lowest rolling resistance to date. And for the Pave CG, Vittoria incorporated its grippiest tread pattern to date. So, whether you're actually racing cobbles, or simply wet chip-and-seal roads, the Pave CG will provide a reliable traction with the surface beneath you.

The clincher version of the ultimate classics tire

320 TPI cotton may be the most supple casing in cycling

Compound and tread pattern conspire for maximum traction

Vittoria produces the most sought-after classics tires this side of homemade tubulars

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BEST TRAINING CLINCHERS EVARRRRR

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

1. Aesthetics: The green ones look OG PRO on a set of H Plus Son TB14 box section rims. Get the black if you're not all about that pave #classicsclash. 2. Ride Feel: OMG ACTUAL BEST. Like even the 25s (and they're small 25s) feel so damn good. Supple is the word. Very Supple. As in "I can't believe I'm riding an alu road bike on this ridiculously rough road with 25c clinchers" supple. Makes you at least question why gravel bikes exist. 3. Traction: Compared to Pro4 (SC or endurance) or GP 4 Seasons, or most other "training" tires, these are the best. You can drop your friends on descents laughing while yelling "CRITLYFE" all winter long. Usually feels like the grip has no limit, unless they're worn out, then it can be bad. Ask me how I know. 4. Flat protection. I destroyed a sidewall on my 3rd ride, on a sketchy gravel descent. Gatorskin miiiight have survived. Whatever. Otherwise that tire's replacement only had 1-2 flats and minimal visible cuts in its lifespan. 5. Durability: The start that shines the brightest burns half as long, or whatever. They made it maybe 1500 miles. They're not gators. However, see #6. 6. Price: Wait, really? $29.99?? My team is about to buy ALL OF THEM. They may be discontinued or something. Worth buying in bulk.

Comment on Myles L.'s answer:

Great tires for those bumpy rides!

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I enjoy the the best tires for racing but also for riding with our club, so I value a tire I can use for both long rides and races. Roads in my town aren't the best and I have been using 25mm for quite a long time now and I found the tires I ended up buying the most are the GP4000's, Vittoria Open Corsa Evo's, and the Open Pave's. I loved the GP4000's but unfortunately they bloom to a width that is a little too wide for my Giant Propel and rocks and grit scratch the cutout on the seat tube. The Corsa's were great but ultimately I chose the Pave's because they're a little more durable and there are better deals on them. They corner great, soak up the road vibrations, and most importantly they fit very well if you want to run 25mm tires but have little tire clearance.

Comment on Hayden Shieh's review:

Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.

Ditto everything Benjamin S. said!

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Ditto everything Benjamin said! I have used these tires year around for years. I run the 27's (Sometimes I'll put the 24/25mm up front) at around 80psi on wide profile wheels (Flo 45's), and get my yearly milage out of them (up to 6000 mi), then stick them on my other wheels for use on my rollers for the winter. I never see anyone else using these (other than friends that were turned on to them), and it's a shame because there is a HUGH difference between the ride quality of these supple, high TPI tires and GatorSkins...and run them at the right psi, there is no increase in flats (YMMV)! If you're not pleased with the ride quality of your bike, tryout a pair of these and you'll be very pleased...25mm or 27mm, both are good but the 27's have a bit better ride.

Comment on Tod H.'s review:

BY THE WAY...I looked at some reviews that said these tires cut easily. I will say that I do get some surface "cuts" if you want to call them that, but they have never caused any problems for me...just the price you pay for a softer tire and a great ride.

Comment on murphindc's review:

Why aren't you buying these?

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

You don't have a good reason not to grab two and give them a try.

Every schmo that has issues with flats runs the same setup. Low TPI, inflexible tires (but they're thick and have Kevlar in them!), with thick butyl tubes, and PSI's above 110. Join the revolution. Get a flexible, comfortable, supple tire and pair it with latex tubes. Pump them to 90psi or so. I promise you'll have a better bike to road interface with less reliability issues.

This tire specifically is just another great high TPI Italian tire that makes cycling more fun. Except it costs half of what it's brothers and sisters from the same company cost. And it has slightly better traction in wet conditions. And the red label on black sidewall looks boss. And did I mention it's cheap?

It's winter, get the 27's. Put some of Vittoria's universally loved pink latex wonder-tubes inside these skins and enjoy awesomeness.

Comment on Benjamin S.'s review:

Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.

Great Tire!

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I have had these tires on for about 650 miles and have never had a flat. I live in Florida so during the summer we get wet conditions, this tire had no problem with handling in the rain and never once slipped out. I noticed the back tire started to wear around mile 600, but that can be due to city riding traffic with frequent skids.

Comment on Adam A.'s review:

Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.

Fantastic Tire!

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I put a pair of the 27mm in my Giant Defy 5. They're amazing! They have great traction, even in the wet, outrageously low rolling resistance, and are extremely resistant to punctures. I have not had a single flat, even riding through the glass & hole-littered roads of Boston. They are also extremely compliant, and make it a pleasure to ride on bumpy roads (well... by road bike standards).

I've only had them for about 700km, and the rear tire already shows very small cuts and a bit of wear. The front tire looks better. These are not exactly high-mileage tires, but given their performance - that's about what I expect. Also, the green strip is a real attention catcher. Everyone looks at you, as if though you were Queen Elizabeth riding a unicycle.

It seems Vittoria doesn't plan on making them anymore, so get these while you can!

Comment on Robert H.'s review:

Finestre last 9 K gravel without a flat!

This is the only tire I use. 25's. Just rode 400+ miles/over 40K gain in Italy. No flats! And the last day was a climb up Finestre, the last 9 K gravel. I forgot to let a bit of air out, but no problem. No flats, my bike handled well with these things on my enve 3.4's.

Comment on susan M.'s review:

terrific packed dirt/gravel road tire

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

picked up a set of these in the 27mm width in the early spring to use on my X bike during the summer months to ride on paved road, dirt, and occasional gravel. ran pressure from 75-85 psi and got excellent road feel, grip, and traction when needed. only 1 flat from a goathead last week. now that X season is almost here I'll take them off and use them again for the same purpose next year.

Good Tire

Comment on Chris H.'s review:

love 'em

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

finally made switch from 23 to 25. very happy - feels like riding tubeless - smooth ride w/o giving up speed. also no problem w/ fit with brake clearance. have run them at 100psi, 115psi, and soon i will try 125-130psi. great quality tire - not sure about durability and if fewer flats, but so far so good. highly recommend.

Comment on James S's comment:

Ok but wear and cut easy after 1000 mile

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

So these tires were great for about 1000-1200m, after which point they are pretty much done. Great for the first 1000m, tho. Excellent for rain and crappy roads with potholes, grit and whatnot from the winter. Just not worth the $ IMHO in comparison to Conti GP4000s which I easily get 5000+ miles in and similar performance.

Comment on Thomas Eric B.'s review:

27mm so much better than 25mm

Familiarity: I've used it several times

These tires fits narrower than my previous Conti Gran Prix 4000S II. The 25mm were not even 24.5 on same fairly wide rims (26mm external). Not to mention that the 25mm are soo tight to install. So tight that I sold them on eBay. Then i bought the 27mm on sale and I love them. They measure 26.5 on a 26mm rim. The ride like a dream and are a breeze to install. I have read they will be discontinued so I am stacking up before shops run out...

Comment on Stephano G.'s review:

Awesome Tyre

Familiarity: I've used it several times

This tyre is superb. The rolling friction is really nice and feels really clean and in tact with the roadway. I've gone through grass, gravel, and even a busted beer bottle with no problems. I am really enjoying this tyre and will be using it to ride 300 + miles to the beach later this month. I'm not anticipating any issues as I have done several training rides with none. I will update after my trip. Overall great tyre.

Comment on Trevor J's review:

My favorite tire

For the absolutely crappy roads of N Orange County, CA these are the best tires for the money. In our area, many of the roads have even no maintenance for30+ years and they are worse thantheobbles we've ridden in France and Italy. I can rely on the tires to take the punishment and last a long time (6-8 months at 100-200 miles/week).

Vitoria has put outstanding flat protection belts in these tires. I have picked up lapel pins, glass, wire and all sorts of other stuff. As with all tires, the tiny pieces of auto facial tire wire can work it's way through.

The only downside is that in my opinion they are a bit slower and take a little more effort to get them moving. At 70 years old, I don't race that much anymore, but these guys roll smoothly up to about 25 MPH on the flats and really grip the road on mountain descents.

I plan to stock up with these tires and ride them into the ground. If the replacements are anywhere near as good, I will buy them when these are used up.

Comment on Michael N.'s review:

The green stripe

Based in northern Italy (tires made at their own plant in Thailand), Vittoria has been manufacturing pro-level bicycle tires for 60 years. It shows. Their range and R&D is pretty amazing.

For ex., these Pave EVO CG III's were specially designed to be used on the cobblestones ("pave") in the famous "Spring Classic" races in northern Europe like Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders (which is like the Super Bowl to the people of Belgium).

This is one strong and tough tire featuring an incredible 320 tpi. The suppleness, cornering grip (including in the wet), and the road "feel" is what makes Pave's special.

But all tire characteristics form a compromise. In exchange for the superb cornering grip, these Paves do wear out a little faster than some tires.

I use these Pave III's in the 25 mm size as a general fast training and riding tire. I use the 28s in the winter. In summary: Great fast training/riding tire for rough (chip & seal) roads, especially if wet.

By the way, in my experience, the puncture protection has been very good with these Pave's. The rubber does get small cuts easily. But actual flats are rare in my experience.